Sheffield Students’ Union (SU) is facing debate over its recent KINK Night, a student-only event featuring professional “X-rated” kink performances, and a no-phones policy.
Marketed as a space for “freedom, fetish, and fearless self-expression,” it divided opinion.
While some saw it as an opportunity for exploration, others questioned its appropriateness and the SU’s decision to host it.
A student poll found 90% would not attend, with 39% feeling uncomfortable and 42% feeling ambivalent.
Some supported the concept but worried about execution, while others called it “unnecessary” or a “money grab.”
Concerns were also raised about its impact on the university’s reputation, with one student describing an “awkward” moment when prospective student parents saw event posters during a campus tour.
Despite mixed reactions, the SU confirmed no formal complaints had been made.
It defended the event, stating ““Sheffield SU places great value on freedom of speech and expression within the law, and our policies, procedures, and processes support this.”The SU also clarified that KINK Night was “self-funded and aimed to break even”, denying financial pressures influenced its approval.
Attempts to gain clarity on how the University’s feelings on KINK Night events have been met with limited response. The Education Act 1994 outlines a university’s responsibility for overseeing student union activities, yet when asked about this, a university spokesperson replied, “We don’t know about this act,” and declined to comment further.
The event comes amid a £400,000 budget cut and a projected £692,000 shortfall.While the SU insists event policies remain unchanged, students question whether financial struggles are shifting priorities.
The SU has since announced KINK Night will return.
Written by Millicent Corcoran
